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Los Angeles, CA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Standard black (refuse) container
60-gallon
Standard blue (recycling) container
90-gallon
Standard green (organics) container
90-gallon
Extra refuse capacity fee (Jan 1 2026)
$15.65/month per 60-gallon increment
Intermittent extra pickup tag
$2.00 per 30 gallons, purchased in advance
Multi-Family Bulky Item Fee (eff. Nov 15, 2025)
$3.04 per dwelling unit per month

Summary

Los Angeles provides each dwelling unit a standard trash allowance (one 60-gallon black bin, one 90-gallon blue recycling bin, one 90-gallon green organics bin) and allows extra bulky-item pickups for additional fees: either a monthly continuous capacity fee or a one-time $2.00-per-30-gallon tag.

SEC. 66.48. EXTRA CAPACITY REFUSE COLLECTION FEE.

A. DECLARATION OF POLICY... the City hereby declares that the standard allowance for a Dwelling Unit shall be one 60-gallon black container for refuse, one 90-gallon blue container for source-separated recyclables and/or commingled recyclables, and one 90-gallon green container for source-separated organic waste. Additional capacity above and beyond this standard allowance may be made available for various fees as described in this Code.

C. INTERMITTENT EXTRA CAPACITY. Residents of all dwelling units shall have the ability to purchase the right to have additional refuse, horse manure or yard trimmings collected by the City on a collection day to collection day basis. The resident requiring this additional intermittent capacity shall purchase from the City, at a cost of $2.00 per 30 gallons of additional capacity, a special tag to be placed on the additional materials for collection. The tags must be purchased in advance, in person at various locations throughout the City, or through the mail, and can be utilized only on the regular collection day. Each tag may be used only one time.

Source: Los Angeles Municipal CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Under LAMC § 66.48(A), the City's standard allowance per dwelling unit covers one 60-gallon black refuse container, one 90-gallon blue recycling container, and one 90-gallon green organics container. Residents needing additional disposal capacity may request larger containers for a continuous monthly surcharge (starting at $15.65 per extra 60-gallon refuse increment effective January 1, 2026), or purchase intermittent single-use tags at $2.00 per 30 gallons for one-time extra pickups. Multi-family dwelling units not receiving direct City collection service are subject to a Multi-Family Bulky Item Fee (BIF) of $3.04 per dwelling unit per month (effective November 15, 2025), billed through DWP or directly, to fund bulky-item removal services. Low-income customers may qualify for a 50% discount on extra capacity fees and a reduced BIF rate.

Violations & Fines

Failure to pay the Solid Resources Fee or Bulky Item Fee results in a 25% penalty after 60 days delinquency. Bills not paid within 60 days of presentation are deemed delinquent. Additional 2.5% charges may accrue each subsequent quarter on unpaid balances (LAMC § 66.43(g)-(h)).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of a large piece of furniture or appliance?
For a one-time pickup, buy a special intermittent-capacity tag from the City at $2.00 per 30 gallons and place it on the additional items on your regular collection day. You can also request a larger continuous-service container for a monthly surcharge (LAMC § 66.48(B)-(C)).
Do apartment residents pay extra for bulky-item service?
Yes. Multi-family dwellings not receiving direct City collection service pay a Multi-Family Bulky Item Fee of $3.04 per dwelling unit per month (effective November 15, 2025), billed through the DWP electric bill or directly (LAMC § 66.41(c)).
Are there discounts on extra trash capacity for low-income residents?
Yes. Customers who qualify for the LA Department of Water and Power's low-income discount program receive each 60-gallon increment of extra refuse capacity at 50% off (LAMC § 66.48(B)(1)).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Los Angeles

All Los Angeles rules

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